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Most companies block access to certain websites, such as Twitter and Facebook, that provide a method for cyber criminals to infect workstations via social engineering or other means. Organizations often create a blacklist -- a list of domains some or all employees are blocked from visiting -- using a firewall or endpoint protection software. However, you can use certain methods to get around the blacklist, such as using an IP address instead of a domain name, or accessing the site through a proxy or redirection service.

Via IP Address

2. Input "nslookup [domain name]" into the terminal. Replace "[domain name]" with the host name of the website (e.g. "nslookup google.com").

3. Press "Enter" to find the IP addresses associated with the domain. Type an available IP address into the address bar of a Web browser.

4. Press "Enter" to navigate to the site. If the host name, rather than the IP, is blocked, the computer should be able browse to the target Web page.

Using a Translation Service

1. Navigate to Google Translate or to Bing Translator (see links in Resources.)

2. Enter the address of the target website into the search text box. Select "Auto-Detect" as the language to translate from.

3. Choose "English" -- if applicable -- as the language to translate to. Click "Translate" to navigate to the website via the translator.

Using a Proxy Server

1. Navigate to a free proxy like HMA, Anonymouse or The Cloak (see the links in the Resources).

2. Enter the target Web address into the available field. If using The Cloak, click "Surf!" to reach the appropriate page.

3. Press "Enter" to navigate to the website via the proxy.

Tips

If using HMA, to protect your computer from cyber attack, drag the slider next to SSL Security to on. Click "Advanced Options" and then select "Disable Javascript" and "Disable Flash." Note that selecting options may prevent you from accessing all of a website's features.

If using The Cloak, to protect your computer against hackers, select "Delete Javascript," "Delete Java," "Delete Objects," "Delete Cookies" and "Block HTTPS." Note that selecting these options may prevent you from accessing all of a website's features.

Warnings

Going around the blacklist without your organization's permission may entail certain risks.

Information in this article applies to Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.

About the Author

Ruri Ranbe has been working as a writer since 2008. She received an A.A. in English literature from Valencia College and is completing a B.S. in computer science at the University of Central Florida. Ranbe also has more than six years of professional information-technology experience, specializing in computer architecture, operating systems, networking, server administration, virtualization and Web design.